Anatolian Killifish

The Anatolian killifish is a small killifish that lives only in Türkiye (endemic). For a long time it was placed in the genus Aphanius and the pupfish family (Cyprinodontidae); in the current classification it has been moved to the genus Anatolichthys and the family Aphaniidae. Males are recognized by the dense dark vertical bands on their silvery-blue bodies, females by their larger, spotted bodies. Its habitats are threatened by drought, excessive water extraction and invasive fish: it must never be collected from the wild, should be obtained only from captive-bred lines and must never be released into the wild under any circumstances.

• A species tank of at least 60 liters for a group of 4–6.
• Hard, alkaline water; limestone or coral sand helps maintain hardness.
• No heater is needed: 22–26°C in summer, and cooling to 10–15°C in winter is natural and supports breeding.
• Dense plants that tolerate hard water, good lighting and a thin layer of algae to graze; a tight lid.

Omnivorous. In the wild it eats small crustaceans, insect larvae and algae. In the aquarium, frozen brine shrimp, daphnia and bloodworms should be given together with spirulina flakes.

Males are territorial; they chase each other and press the females. A planted, divided layout reduces tension. It lays its eggs on plants; depending on temperature, the eggs hatch in about 10–14 days.

Good companions: a group of its own species; a species tank is best.

Avoid: other toothcarp species and different populations (they hybridize easily), tropical community fish, species that need soft water.